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Testimonials

Real stories of growth, transformation, and impact.

At Shifting Waters Leadership Institute (SWLI), transformation is more than a goal — it’s a journey. From one-on-one coaching to inspiring students and leading global initiatives, our work touches individuals, communities, and organizations across the world. These testimonials share real stories of growth, partnership, and impact, reflecting the heart of our mission: to equip today’s leaders and raise tomorrow’s.

Leadership & Coaching

At SWLI, we walk alongside leaders, professionals, and change-makers to help them rediscover their strengths, clarify their goals, and thrive with purpose. These testimonials reflect our work in coaching, leadership development, and personal transformation.

"Your commitment towards excellence, your heart, your passion - this is all you! I have been amazed how you poured your energy into what matters, and kept showing up with purpose and compassion, helping others to believe in themselves and bringing out the best in them! Here is for many more years of powerful and impactful coaching to come!"
Kanykei OmorovaICF Mentor Coach and Leader
"Facing a major life transition after many years can feel overwhelming. Grace was a bright light—she inherently understood my fears and emotions and validated them. She encouraged, educated, and helped me rediscover my worth. My soul is at peace."
Peggy Alexander
"Grace is an insightful, compassionate, intuitive, and strategic coach. She helped me reconnect with my core purpose and articulate what makes me unique. Her ability to draw out my strengths and clarify my goals has been invaluable."
Lucy
"Grace served as an indispensable sounding board. During moments of frustration, uncertainty, and even discouragement, she listened, offered feedback, and helped me reframe challenges into opportunities for growth."
Mitchell BrownSalesforce
"She brought not only expertise and structure to the process but also kindness, encouragement, and a truly thoughtful approach. Grace was a steady, supportive presence—an excellent listener and sounding board."
Gabby RoseSalesforce
"She is a game-changer. She helped me explore new paths and became a true partner in my growth and success."
Binu Kuruvilla3Cloud
"She is so much more than I could have asked for. Grace is encouraging, insightful, and sincere. She’s enthusiastic about her role and truly enjoys helping others. She’s excellent at providing suggestions, feedback, and direction, and I feel very lucky to have her as my coach."
Erik Orlanda Bedoya
"What stood out most was her unwavering belief in my potential. Her support helped me shift from self-doubt to self-assurance, and I moved forward with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Grace is more than a coach—she’s a true partner in growth."
Evelyn Griffith
"She provided constructive feedback and valuable guidance that helped me gain clarity and confidence. What stood out most was how she made me feel like I wasn’t navigating this alone. Grace reminded me of the strengths I already had."
Steve Kaufman
"I wasn’t simply looking for my next move—I was seeking clarity. I wanted to discover the intersection of my skills, experience, and passion, and use that as a compass to guide my future. Grace created the space and structure for me to reflect, envision my future, and ultimately define my place in it. She became a true partner on this journey."
Luis DelahozFormer IBM Executive
"Grace has been so supportive throughout the entire process. She built my confidence during a time when I wasn’t sure what my path would be. She went above and beyond to connect me with resources that were specific to my needs. She is an incredible coach."
Graham Harris
"She brought a holistic perspective to my journey, helping me explore options that truly aligned with my strengths and values. Grace was incredibly encouraging, empathetic, and positive—every conversation left me feeling more confident and motivated. I feel so lucky to have had her support and guidance."
Natalie MeniktasMonday.com

Student & Academic Impact

From keynote addresses to mentoring and program design, SWLI inspires the next generation of leaders and fosters transformation in educational settings. These testimonials showcase the impact Grace and SWLI have had on students, fellows, and academic communities.

"I am so happy you were able to join and inspire us. You really set the tone of the weekend, and many students told me how affected they were by your opening address."
Kailee LaplanderUniversity Official
"Grace has become a social change agent on a global level. Her ability to analyze situations and strategically plan for change is phenomenal. She had a heart for service even in college and was an exemplary leader in Student Support Services, mentoring many students. Grace Adofoli is someone I consider righteous and of noble character. If you have the privilege of knowing her, you know you have an invaluable friend, colleague, and sister from another mother in your life. I personally hope my daughters grow up to be like her."
Rose RudeUniversity of Wisconsin–River Falls
"Thank you for being such an excellent mentor. Your guidance, both on a personal level and as a team leader, has been truly amazing. You’ve had a great impact on my growth, and I truly appreciate your support and continued mentorship."
Kelvin Lartey
"Thank you so much for sharing this, Grace! It’s been an incredible journey working alongside you and the rest of our cohort. As a Braven fellow, I’ve witnessed firsthand how transformative this experience has been not just for me, but for all of us. Your unwavering support and belief in us has made all the difference."
Keyla Rodriguez
"It was an amazing experience and the knowledge and guidance I gained will echo throughout the rest of my career. Thank you so much, Grace, for being such an amazing leader and coach."
Mark Masenda
"Thank you so much for your support and leadership throughout the Braven program. You have been an incredible leadership coach, and your guidance has made a significant impact on me. I’m excited to apply everything I’ve learned as I move forward."
Mike Rodriguez

Collective TRIO Student Testimonial

“Grace is a life-changer — wise, empowering, inspirational, honest, and a true leader. She is thoughtful yet blunt, motivational, brave, warm-hearted, funny, strong, and a big dreamer. As a mentor, she’s kind, honest, and empowering. Grace doesn’t just guide students; she inspires them to see beyond their limits and pursue their potential with courage.”

— Collective Voice of TRIO Students, University of Wisconsin–River Falls

Global & Organizational Impact

With experience spanning continents, SWLI partners with organizations, institutions, and communities to drive change, innovation, and impact. These testimonials reflect Grace’s work in global leadership, organizational transformation, and cross-cultural collaboration.

"You are the best teacher, mentor, guide…"
Prabha KrishnanCDC India
"We are sincerely touched that you are leaving but heartily thankful for your support in the digital transformation of the CDC Zimbabwe M&O hub. You have a rare gift of organizational digital leadership."
Noah MandozaCDC Zimbabwe
"Grace is a passionate, motivated, and committed professional. She brings infectious energy, boundless enthusiasm, and admirable ‘can do’ attitude. She approaches issues with honed analytical skills, balanced with creative problem-solving."
Lori de RavelloCDC Uganda
"You deserve the name ‘Grace’ because you offer gentleness, respect for each individual, care for both the professional and the human side of each person, capacity to make everyone enthusiastic and involved, and emotional intelligence to learn from others. Your soul is amazing; you shine in our lives."
William CarranzaCDC Guatemala
"Thank you for the tremendous support you have provided to Team Salone. We truly will miss your patience, knowledge, and leadership."
Chinyere EkechiCDC Sierra Leone
"You are a wonderful human being and a brave woman. I greatly admire you and will always appreciate this opportunity you gave me."
Maria YazbakChickasaw Nation Industries
"Wherever God may lead you, I know you will continue to shine and bring to your environment the transforming power and energy you have within you."
M. Manette CarismaCDC Haiti
"Your passion, energy, and diligence are admirable. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, support, and leadership to the OBMS project, which has grown tremendously from your efforts."
Trish MachivaCDC Zimbabwe
"I would like to thank you for all the support and goodwill you have shown to your team and the country offices over the past years. We are really going to miss you because of the void your absence leaves. You’ve been dependable, supportive, encouraging, honest, and funny. You have been an asset to all of us."
Evans OtienoCDC Kenya

Your journey toward growth and transformation can start today. Whether you’re an individual seeking clarity, a team pursuing stronger leadership, or an organization ready for meaningful change, SWLI is here to partner with you. Let’s create lasting impact together — Contact Us or explore our programs to take the next step.

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The Shifting Waters Leadership Institute develops leaders who lead with wholeness, integrity, accountability, and purpose. Rooted in the belief that every person is made in the image of God—the Imago Dei—SWLI cultivates communities where leaders grow together and inspire lasting change.

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